Cal UAS continues to push innovation as it seeks UAS test site

Volunteers for Cal UAS team has been working on a way to track and receive flight data by adapting one technology to another with low-cost equipment and software packages.

Comment

By DI Editorial Board

Ridgecrest Daily Independent - Ridgecrest, CA

By DI Editorial Board

Posted May. 9, 2013 at 10:06 AM
Updated May 9, 2013 at 10:08 AM

By DI Editorial Board

Posted May 9, 2013 at 10:06 AM
Updated May 9, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Volunteers for Cal UAS team has been working on a way to track and receive flight data by adapting one technology to another with low-cost equipment and software packages.

With the small receiver and laptop, the Cal UAS Portal team has taken a step forward in showing its ingenuity is compatible with securing an FAA national test site designation for unmanned systems.

The new equipment, a small DVB-T receiver, allows the team at Inyokern Airport to track airplanes using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology, a staple in the FAA's goal to develop next generation radar systems.

Most unmanned aircraft vehicles are likely required to be equipped with this tracking system upon being integrated into the national airspace.

It's a sign that volunteers and team members are serious in their goal to secure a test site designation. While Cal UAS lacks the financial backing other teams have in other states, the team has more than compensated by attracting some of the best brainpower in the industry.

We want to commend the Cal UAS team on this latest step in pushing the boundaries and finding new, innovative ways on a budget.

It's also a show of the ingenuity and support of this valley for Cal UAS Portal's goal.

While the DVB-T receiver is one milestone for the team, so is the team's recent deadline submission to the FAA detailing the potential economic impact unmanned systems would have on the valley.

More than 900 letters of support from local residents and businesses were uploaded along with the analysis.

In many ways this shows the valley's desire to see the test site designation come to the region around the Indian Wells Valley.

At the same time, the process is not over, and it will continue to take the support of the Indian Wells Valley even after the test sites are named.